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Gately: Why Buckaroo could be in for a massive spring
Connor Scanlon • September 1st, 2025 5:02 pm
Buckaroo is coming off a massive Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) effort first-up, finishing third in one of the most talented Memsie fields ever.
Despite starting at $51 in the Memsie, his impressive run has bolstered his value in future races this spring.
The seven-year-old is now a $3.60 favourite with Sportsbet to take out the Group 1 Underwood Stakes, edging out Treasurethe Moment ($6) and Aeliana ($7) in the market.
Expert tipster David Gately loved the run of Buckaroo on Saturday and believes the gelding is in for a big carnival.
“It was a lovely return, obviously he relished that fast speed, didn’t he? He found the line super,” Gately admitted.
“(He was) 10 lengths (behind the leader) mid-race and made up a stack of ground.
“He homed 12:10 (seconds) last 200m, only Treasurethe Moment was home quicker than him.
“He went past Mr Brightside, Fangirl and Another Wil (in the last 200m speed).
“A lot to like about his return.
“I think the thing with the stayers is prep to prep they’re harder to follow than the sprinters, but he looks to have come back obviously in terrific shape.”
Gately also praised Buckaroo’s efforts last spring, stating that his owners would be extremely pleased with how he is travelling.
“His Caulfield Cup run (last year), I think he should’ve won it easily,” Gately admitted.
“His Melbourne Cup run was as good as any in the race, from a hopeless position, wide in that gate, on a day where you had to be inside, on those inside lanes.
“They would’ve left the track really excited with him, no doubt.”
Adding to the Buckaroo discussion, Peter Anthonisz and Gareth Hall believe the Chris Waller-trained import is in for a massive spring.
“He is well in truly on track for another big spring,” Hall exclaimed.
Anthonisz added: “He looked fantastic, he often does, he’s a really athletic horse.
“He had enough condition in hand to suggest he’s going to be in for a fantastic preparation.”
According to owner John O'Neill, Buckaroo will be targeted at the SEN Underwood Stakes and the Caulfield Cup this spring.
